"At a time when we seek to embrace all of
our people as members of a single nation,
the celebration of this victory, as deep as
it is felt, should be expressed with
magnanimity and friendship towards all,"
states President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the
celebrations currently taking place
throughout the country.

Ensuring that the nation’s outpouring of joy
at the defeat of terrorism, leaves no room
for anyone’s feelings to be hurt in any
manner is the greatest tribute we can pay to
our Motherland, President adds.

Here is text of the President's statement:

To a people battered and bruised by
terrorism for more than three decades, its
convincing defeat is a genuine cause for
celebration, that we see take place with
spontaneity throughout our land.

At a time when we seek to embrace all of our
people as members of a single nation, the
celebration of this victory, as deep as it
is felt, should be expressed with
magnanimity and friendship towards all.

As the National Flag is raised throughout
the land in joyous celebration, I see it as
the duly of all to ensure that all
differences that hitherto divided our people
are subsumed in the great and momentous joy
that is shared by us all.

Ensuring that the nation’s outpouring of joy
at the defeat of terrorism, leaves no room
for anyone’s feelings to be hurt in any
manner is the greatest tribute we can pay to
our Motherland.